UCOMM Live

Killed on the Picket Line

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:42:56 +0000

Updates on the John Deere strike including one member being killed and the NY Attorney General steps in to stop Pinkertons.

A report from the Kellogg's Picket Line

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 21:17:40 +0000

Trevor Bidelman, Local 3G President joins the show to discuss his members' strike at Kellogg's. The workers have been on strike since the beginning of October as they fight for a fair contract. Donate to their Strikefund: https://msha.ke/bctgm/#strike-funds

David Van Deusen, President Vermont AFL-CIO

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:57:23 +0000

Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO President David Van Deusen joins the show to talk guns, fascism, and the importance of focusing on organizing.

Will a Strike Shut Down Hollywood?

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:38:32 +0000

C David Cottrill, an IATSE 488 Business Agent and Political/Legislative Coordinator, joins the show to talk about why his 60,000 person union could go on strike as early as next week due to crazy hours that they are forced to work and low pay.

Agreement Reached to End Nabisco Strike, Whiskey Strike On

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:46:37 +0000

The Nabisco strike may be over, but another strike has begun at Heaven Hill Distillery and Cops warn of Violence at September 18th rally.

Biden Refuses to Invite Tesla to White House

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:06:22 +0000

Biden met with automakers about electric vehicles, but Tesla was not there due to their anti-union activities.

Plus the IBEW has won a decade-long fight to get the first contract with Comcast and the NLRB may be able to make card check a reality after card check legislation continues to be stalled in the Legislature.

Two More Capital Insurgents Arrested

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 19:58:56 +0000

A union steamfitter and a UPS employee are the two latest people to be arrested for taking part in the attack on the United States Capital.

To Mandate or Not Mandate Vaccines

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 20:09:47 +0000

President Biden is mandating vaccines, but unions are pushing back saying that this needs to be bargained. Plus OSHA has issued a $1M fine to a Georgia Poultry plant that killed 6 workers

The Plan to Organize Amazon

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 20:11:07 +0000

We have Randy Korgan, the National Director of Organizing Amazon from the Teamsters calling in to discuss their plan to organize Amazon workers nationwide.

Teamsters Announce National Plan to Organize Amazon

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:44:27 +0000

The Teamsters are going after Amazon, which is reporting sky-high injury rates.

The Supreme Court issues yet another anti-union decision, while Biden announces who the deciding vote on the NLRB will be.

Will Biden Repair Trump's Damage to the NLRB?

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 21:54:20 +0000

Phil Cohen calls in to talk about what President Biden can do to fix the NLRB.

Right to work is defeated in New Hampshire, California union elects a controversial new leader to lead a 90,000 member union, and the UFCW inks the first national cannabis union contract.

Arrests at Mineworkers Strike, Nooses at Amazon, and Teamsters Strike in NYC

Thu, 27 May 2021 19:16:36 +0000

Plus environmentalist union-busting, regulating self-driving cars, and the White House Task Force looks at how to promote organizing.

Mineworkers Support Biden's Green Energy Plan

Thu, 13 May 2021 18:18:00 +0000

Teamsters notch big win against CEO pay, Biden sets up union taskforce, unions say no money to Democrats who don't support the PRO Act and much more on this week's UCOMM Live with Kris LaGrange.

Union busting at Tesla, Google and Amazon

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:42:19 +0000

Thursday, April 8th is the PRO Act Digitial Day of Action, find out what you need to do to get this important bill passed.

Amazon, Tesla, and Google are all in trouble with the NLRB over union busting charges.

President Biden has released a massive infrastructure bill that will put millions of union members to work.

Minor League Baseball has started and players are getting paid below minimum wages, find out why.

20 Ways the American Rescue Plan Helps Workers

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:47:22 +0000

A look at 20 things that the American Rescue Plan does for workers, Senate confirms Marty Walsh, Amazon violates NLRB rules, and the Supreme Court is hearing a union case.

Boycott Amazon, PRO Act, and Right to Work Defeated in Montana

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:20:56 +0000

Boycott Amazon has been trending this week as consumers stay away from Amazon to support the workers organizing in Alabama.
The PRO Act passed the House this week, but faces an uncertain future in the Senate.
Right to Work was defeated in Montana and Colorado.

Reopening schools with AFT President Randi Weingarten

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:42:00 +0000

On UCOMM Live with Kris LaGrange Thursday 2/25 at 12 noon ET, we got Jay Malone, the Political Director for the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, welcoming back Vinny Alvarez, President of the NYC CLC and also welcoming back Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.

PRO Act Introduced in Congress and Meet the Amazon Union Busters

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:45:08 +0000

A bill to strengthen apprenticeships has passed the House of Representatives, find out what it does and how it makes pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships stronger.
The PRO Act has been introduced, Evan Papp from Empathy Media Labs comes on to discuss what needs to be done to get it passed.
Amazon workers in Alabama are organizing, we hear from two of the workers' thanks to The Valley Labor Report.
Houston hates firefighters, find out why.

Biden's Presidency Wins with IBEW Local 3's Chris Erikson

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:22:36 +0000

IBEW Local 3's Chris Erikson comes on to talk about the Biden Presidency and how his local union is making it through COVID. We also take a look at the Executive Orders Biden has signed including an OSHA standard for COVID, Union membership increasing, and we list the insurgents who have lost their jobs after storming the Capitol.

Labor Built Vaccine Facilities and Trumpers Attack the Capitol

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 19:28:14 +0000

Labor has played an integral role in getting the vaccine out to the public, but they also built the facilities that made the vaccine. Find out more about the role they have played.

Trumpers attacked the Capitol, killed a cop, and are now going to jail. Did you have one on your job?

Joe Biden has appointed Marty Walsh to run the Labor Department, Pete Buttigieg to run Transportation, and Miguel Cardona to run the Education Department. Josh Slaughter calls in to give us his take on these appointments.

UCOMM PAC's Worker to Worker campaign helped to turn union voters out in Georgia. Find out more about it and what it means for the PRO Act.

Trump Says Freeze Federal Workers Pay

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 22:36:55 +0000

Plus Southwest announces layoffs, NFLPA thinks they can get the season finished without a bubble, the IBEW is training fire departments on how to deal with solar panels, organizing wins from DC to Guam, and teachers are being moved to the front of the line for the COVID vaccine.

If you are buying books for the holidays, support a union, independent bookseller that is facing hard times. 7.5% of your purchase will go directly to their worker relief fund. Buy here: https://ilwulocal5.com/Support/

Amazon Hires Pinkertons as Workers Organize

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:42:53 +0000

Workers at an Alabama warehouse are organizing with RWDSU, while the company has decided to hire the union-busting Pinkerton firm to spy on workers.

Trump is going after your tips and is trying to prevent unions from organizing on company property.

In Georgia, a big Senate race will decide control of the Senate and nurses are striking in New York.

Who will Biden Pick to Run the Labor and Education Departments?

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:51:12 +0000

The Building Trades secure a deal to build offshore wind plants, North Dakota is forcing nurses to work while sick with COVID, Biden shows his union muscle to CEOs, and who will lead the Departments of Education and Labor?

Biden Adds 27 Union Leaders to Transition Team

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:43:15 +0000

27 union leaders will help decide the future of our nation as they join 15 different agency review teams. Additionally, two labor leaders have been appointed to the full transition team by President-elect Biden.
The PRO Act will become law if Democrats win two Senate seats in Georgia. Find out what the PRO Act is and who is running.
What happens if Trump refuses to leave the White House? We have the answers.

Election 2020 Recap

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 22:35:57 +0000

As of this recording, the President hasn't been chosen yet, but we do know that union members turned out big in states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada. However some of the Republicans elected to lower offices are pretty anti-union. Plus the AFL-CIO is demanding that all ballots be counted.

The Billionaires Funding Trump

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:04:25 +0000

CEOs at Marvel and Home Depot are supporting Trump and spending millions to do it. The Proud Boys are sending out emails threatening swing voters in Florida. CBA's are getting shorter thanks to COVID-19 and GOP's racism and fear message will be their demise in November.

Is This the Year Texas Goes Blue?

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 22:11:24 +0000

Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy calls in to talk about the work they are doing to turn the Lone Star State Blue and how labor pushed Beto O'Rourke to be a better candidate and not take labor for granted. Josh Slaughter also calls in to talk about 11 union officials being arrested on bribery and an editorial attacking PLA's.

Plus Amy Coney Barrett doesn't think using the N Word creates a hostile work environment, a building collapse in Houston, and the failure of OSHA to protect workers during COVID-19.

Trump Attacks Union Organizing

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 21:47:16 +0000

Trump is attacking union's ability to organize, sign neutrality agreements with employers, and limiting federal unions' ability to bargain for their members.

Plus teachers and staff at Brooklyn Friends went on strike this week after their bosses tried to decertify their union and guess what? They Won!

UCOMM PAC also premieres their newest ad geared towards electrical workers and the NFLPA wants to ban turf.

Should Freeloaders Get Help from the Union?

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 21:34:18 +0000

IUOE Local 150 is suing for the right to not represent freeloaders in the union, but some big national unions are opposed to the move. NYC principals are asking the state to take over the city school system, and union grocers are getting a big payout from Stop & Shop as a thank you for working during the pandemic.

Don't Count on the Union Vote

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:49:28 +0000

A new poll shows Biden can't count on union voters, especially building trades members, in a number of important swing states. For any voters still on the fence, we go over the 50 things Trump has done to hurt workers and we take a look at the 30,000 airline workers who will lose their jobs on October 1 if Trump and McConnell don't reach a stimulus deal.

Trump's Swamp Kills NLRB

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:03:03 +0000

The House is investigating corruption at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). A judge in Boston says unions can't use agency fees to pay for lobbying, but another Judge says unions don't have to pay back agency fees collected before the Janus decision.

Plus Trump's ICE is forcing Latinas to have hysterectomy's and his administration is taking money from a fund to take care of firefighter who are sick with 9/11 related diseases.

Also get a sneak peek at the launch of UCOMM PAC's first ad attacking Trump. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Troops Pissed at Trump

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 22:01:31 +0000

Joe Biden promises to be the most union-friendly president ever, Will Attig of the Union Veterans Council calls in to tell us about his reaction to Trump's comments, ABC endorses Trump, Amazon hires two union-busters while an elite private school in NYC decertifies their staff union.

Trades for Joe Biden, Cops for Trump

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 22:07:19 +0000

Bobby Holst of Local 3 IBEW comes on to talk about his piece on why union members should support Joe Biden. At the same time, NYC Police are supporting Trump and their union may have an issue with the FEC. Plus Teachers in NYC may strike over school reopening and a historic PLA will ensure middle class work for thousands of new families.

Lowe's Sabotage Suggestions

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:50:07 +0000

Lowe's is hiring a full-time union buster, union leaders at the Post Office say sorting equipment is being removed, union-busters are hosting seminars for tech execs, and Uncle Joe picks Kamala Harris to restore our nation back to respectability.

Labor's Strategy to Elect Joe Biden

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 21:54:17 +0000

Austin Keyser the National Political Director of the IBEW calls in this week to talk about what their union is doing to get Joe Biden elected. Amazingly Trump is not the first unfit President, we have a few others that embarrassed our nation.

With the 2020 election moving to vote by mail, can we trust our mailman? Plus worker centers are under attack while immigration judges win a big case against the Department of Justice. Plus UCOMM's Karen of the week and Kris is trying out to be the Marlins catcher.

Portland Pleads for our Help

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 21:43:24 +0000

Three union activists from Portland call in to talk about the federal mercenaries that Trump has sent to quell peaceful protests in Portland. They tell the real story about what it is like to be on the ground for the protests.

Teachers across the country are being forced to put their lives on the line and go back to schools in just a few short weeks, the AFT says if their schools aren't safe they will support teacher's strikes. Plus baseball is back and the Astro's are facing repercussions for their sign-stealing scandal. We have a video of the incident.

Kasich the Dem and Baseball Players Kneeling

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 14:21:37 +0000

Former Ohio Governor, Presidential Candidate, and Right to Work supporter John Kasich is speaking at the Democratic National Convention, America's Workforce Radio host Ed Flash Fernec calls in to explain. Shockingly police unions are supporting Trump, while Federal unions are supporting Joe Biden.

We are having problems at the UCOMM studios with our mailman, he refuses to wear a mask, what do you think we should do about it?

Ironworkers White Privilege?

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 22:04:44 +0000

With race issues making headlines every day, we take a look at white privilege through an ironworker meme. Trump's NLRB is also allowing bosses to search employees cars, Michigan is making it hard to work union, Trump has no plan to reopen schools, and Joe Biden releases an energy plan that actually saves union jobs

Bargaining Wins at Con Ed NYC

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 21:30:50 +0000

Jimmy Shillitto calls in to discuss their new contract at Con Ed. Is Trump telling the National Guard to not bargain in good faith? Chris Searcy calls in to talk about it. Mary Vines of UFCW Local 400 calls in to tell us about how Tyson's Chicken wasn't providing PPE for their members, but her unions work seems to have fixed the issue. Seattle labor kicks out their cop union, workforces are nervous about COVID-19 in Vegas and Orlando, Trump calls VA workers thieves and baseball is here!

The Systemic Issues within AFSCME

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:52:21 +0000

Local Union President Colin Maycock calls in to talk about some transparency issues his Local is having with their AFSCME Council amid constant threats from the Freedom Foundation. AFSCME did not respond to comment leading us to believe that soft corruption does exist. Also calling in is Brandon Patterson, an up and coming politico in Staten Island. He is Labor's candidate for NYS Assembly. According to Gallup Americans are not proud to be Americans so we look at why that might be plus we expose the 20 targets of who we need to get the HEROES Act passed in Washington. Labor is marching with Black Lives Matter in DC on Juneteenth and the MLB Players Union needs our support and understanding in their ongoing fight with the greedy owners in MLB.

Heroes Act Can Unite the Nation

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:56:17 +0000

Vinny Alvarez, the President of the New York Central Labor Council, calls in to talk about the Heroes Act and how it can unite the nation. The AFL-CIO decides not to kick out police unions from the national federation. The AFL-CIO also passed a resolution this week calling on the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to resign. 1.5 million public employees are laid off thanks to COVID-19 and the MLB Commissioner is promising there will baseball in 2020.

Protesting Police: Act of Patriotism

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:48:20 +0000

On this week's show, we have AFL-CIO Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig calls in to talk about his call for Defense Secretary Mark Esper to resign after Trump ordered National Guard troops to fire teargas and rubber bullets on peaceful protestors. Bonnie Sulton, a Criminal Justice Policy expert calls in to talk about the ongoing protests surrounding the death of George Floyd and what can be done to stop it. Brandon Parker of the NFLPA comes on to talk about the NFLPA's Community MVP campaign and players taking a stand on Black Lives Matter.

Frontline Minneapolis: An Activist Reports In

Thu, 28 May 2020 22:08:06 +0000

Loretta VanPelt, a teacher in Minneapolis, reports in from the protests in her city over the police killing of George Floyd. She lets us know about the lack of accountability from the Mayor, the County Attorney, and the police union President. Plus the AFL-CIO endorses former Vice President Joe Biden, we look at why Trump flags and union logos don't mix, and the MLB Players refuse to accept 80% cuts from their billionaire owners.

How to Stop a Carpenter Raid

Thu, 21 May 2020 22:00:24 +0000

On this week's show we have Frank Jacobs, the Business Manager of IBEW Local 1 in St. Louis on a campaign to stop the raids from the Carpenters union. We also have the New Jersey Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Angelo on the job losses in the state and what the Garden State is doing about. Plus the Freedom Foundation is going after union firefighters, the Chicago Police union elects a madman and Howard Stern speaks out against Trump

How New York Will Save the Nation

Thu, 07 May 2020 21:34:37 +0000

Ed Sills of the Texas AFL-CIO calls in to let us know what workers in Texas are doing as the state reopens. A Vice President at Amazon is quitting over the company's union-busting activities, polls show Americans want financial help for the US Postal Service, and Trump's trade war with China has sent more jobs to Mexico.

Actor Harold Phillips and McConnell not Paying Police

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:58:53 +0000

On this week's show we have Harold Phillips, an actor who was on Grimm and Leverage. He is talking to us about SAG-AFTRA, the Labor Radio Network, and May Day job actions. We also have Chris Erikson Jr, of Local 3 IBEW talking about the 7 PM salute. Senator Mitch McConnell wants blue states to declare bankruptcy so that cops and teachers don't get paid. Plus LaGrange has some thoughts on Trumpers.

Some Good News / A Sleepover at Work

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 21:39:47 +0000

Comedian Vic DiBitetto goes on a rant about people not adhering to social distancing and stay at home orders, IBEW members are having a sleepover at their power plants, unions are coming to the rescue and stepping up during the pandemic. Of course, employers aren't and instead, they are lobbying Congress to protect them from sick workers. Plus LaGrange thinks the Packers are getting Joe Burrow in the NFL Draft, are they trading up or is Burrow's about to have the worst day ever?

A Union Boom after COVID-19

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 22:12:07 +0000

Glen Casey calls in to talk about NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Steve LeVine of Medium calls in to talk about how America is about to witness a huge growth of unions following the outbreak and Dan calls in to talk about his Thank You to Bernie Sanders. Plus grocery store workers are dying and will we have baseball this year?

Heroes Transporting Heroes

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 22:10:16 +0000

Long Island Railroad President Phil Eng calls in to praise the workers of the nation's largest commuter rail line as the work to transport healthcare workers into the epicenter of the pandemic.

There are also companies stepping up to help the United States meet their PPE needs, Local 3 IBEW prepares for the long game, and Trump wants you to decertify your union.

Hope because of Teachers, Delivery, and Doctors

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:07:22 +0000

Dr. Mancuso calls in to talk about COVID-19. Multiple teachers union leaders call in to discuss Governor Cuomo's Executive Order about Spring Break and talk about the role that their members are playing in stopping the spread. Amazon is firing workers after a walkout, Hobby Lobby is firing workers by email, and union grocery store workers are getting hazard pay.

Q&A with NFL Players Union and Who is Deemed Essential

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:34:44 +0000

NFL PA President JC Tretter calls into this week's show to talk about taking over the union, their new contract, and what led him to lead the union. With everyone working from home, some interesting groups have been called on to step up and work during these trying times. We take a look at who has been deemed essential.

Getting Coronavirus with No Paid Sick Leave

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 21:42:27 +0000

This week's show is all about coronavirus. We take a look at changes that unions negotiated including teachers unions shutting down schools across the nation, the UAW convinced the Big Three Automakers to close their factories for the rest of the month, and the CWA bargained new benefits for their workforce. There are also things you can do to support workers. Find out what you can do.

Coronavirus Stories and Praising Bloomberg 2020

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:55:33 +0000

Albertsons and Safeway threatened a strike over pension benefits and won. Now the company is paying $575 Million to sure up the pension fund. Congress passes a bill to give TSA employees bargaining rights, while other federal unions pressure Trump to allow more telework because of the Coronavirus. We also look at Mike Bloomberg's run for President and talk about what he brought to the race. Flordia wants to allow employers to decide who gets to join the union and an investigation reveals corruption in the New Orleans Building Department led the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel.

Medicare for All or Keep What You Got?

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:46:05 +0000

On this week's show we have on a medical doctor to talk about his experience with Medicare vs. private insurance and to give us advice on the coronavirus. LaGrange talks about his love of Public Enemy and we talk about their very public spat. Plus the SEIU is spending $150 M to beat Trump in 2020 and Donny calls out LaGrange over his baseball knowledge.

How we can all Relate to the NFLPA Contract Battle

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 23:10:02 +0000

On this week's show we take a look at the CBA between the NFL and the NFL PA and have some audio from The Pat McAfee Show. We ask is Pat right about the union keeping quiet on the deal?

Teachers in New York are fighting for foundation aid, which is money that they are owed from the state. Find out why it is important and what states like New York so to make it tougher to adequately fund our schools.

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) have put Democrats who voted against the PRO Act on notice and are asking the DCCC to pull their support.

Trump is challenging a ban on captive audience meetings and wants to let federal workers opt-out of their union at any time. We wonder, why would you ever want to opt-out of your union. Plus LaGrange gives the panelists the floor to discuss whether he went too far in saying that Trump supporters create Stupid Kids. Let us know in the comments if he went too far.

The Big Union Fight Over Medicare for All

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:06:53 +0000

Plus should we fire Will C for sleeping with Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports? Congress passes the PRO Act, American Factory wins an Oscar, Trump is banning unions at the Department of Defense, and we have audio from the campaign trail.

Trump Exit: Will Liberals Leave if he is Re-Elected?

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 23:36:21 +0000

Christopher Dale calls in to talk about whether liberals will leave the country if Trump is re-elected. Trump is also at it again, this time hiring union-busters to oversee the agency that is in charge of regulating unions.

The IBEW has endorsed Joe Biden, a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.

Plus we have the 12 CEO's we hope get CoronaVirus (we are just kidding our prayers are with everyone who is sick), we ask the listeners who they think we should interview at the New Hampshire Primary, and we take a look at the Super Bowl ads that meant the most to us.

Kobe, Cleaning Up the UAW and the Super Bowl

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 23:20:02 +0000

Remembering Kobe, Will C has some reflections, Trump is going out of his way to privatize the Post Office, Illinois wants to ban Right to Work, Amazon employees are protesting climate change, Schneck talks about his efforts to take the UAW back for the members, Trump bans impeachment talk, and we have bets on the Iowa Caucus and the Super Bowl.

Why Union Density is Down

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 22:52:08 +0000

Plus Trump bans union stickers, Mexican unions threaten a strike against Home Depot, Barstool Sports gets a slap on the wrist from the NLRB, and should employers be allowed to microchip their employees?

Scandals at MLB and UAW and Changes in West Virginia and Colorado

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 23:01:14 +0000

MLB is coming down hard on managers involved in a sign-stealing scheme. LaGrange argues with Will C about whether this is the progression of the game or just a repeat of the Black Sox scandal. West Virginia's Supreme Court is hearing a case about their Right to Work law, while Colorado's Governor is supporting a bill to give public employees bargaining rights. CNN is paying a record fine for union-busting, while FedEx gets off scot-free and the PRO Act is finally getting a vote in the Congress, we sure need it.

2020 Presidential Predictions, AT&T, Trump & Gamers

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 22:45:42 +0000

Rick Smith from The Rick Smith Show joins us to talk about Presidential politics and give us some insight into the 2020 election. Wes McEnany from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) called in to explain their organizing drive of tech and game workers. Plus minimum wage increases save lives, a law firm in Texas is preying on public employees, Columbia Sportswear is organizing over Band-Aids, and Trump is mum on AT&T outsourcing jobs.

Doing What's Right this Christmas with AFT's Randi Weingarten

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 22:53:41 +0000

We have the AFT's Randi Weingarten on to talk about the Rochester School District firing 150 teachers in the middle of the year. We also discuss 41% of employers breaking the law to stop a union and the NLRB making it harder to join a union. Plus Trump is getting impeached, the AFL-CIO is supporting USMCA, and minor league ball players are getting high this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

How Amazon is Killing Workers

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 22:54:25 +0000

Injuries are sky-high at the Amazon facility in Staten Island and deaths are up in the last year nationwide. At the same time, union construction sites are proving to be the safest around, maybe the Amazon workers need to talk union? Google workers are talking union and the tech giant is trying to stop it, while Harvard Grad students are on strike for better wages and an end to harassment on the job. Plus O'Malley stands up to Trump official and the Mets have a new owner.

Fired for Unionizing at Solar Facility

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 22:52:26 +0000

The 2020 election is almost here and Mike Bloomberg is spending $100M on Anti-Trump ads. We have exclusive information from the Hard Rock Hotel Collapse and we ask why the Mayor is so dead set on imploding the building. Mark Janus is back in court once again trying to get his $3,000 in union dues back.

We also have Chris, a Local 3 IBEW solar employee in studio. He worked for a company Bright Power, who fired him and the rest of his co-workers for joining a union. Plus Gary Jones is out as UAW President.

Arguing Alabama, Scabbing, And Colin Kapernick

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:54:38 +0000

Plus it's National Save Apprenticeship week for the IBEW, we talk about Trump's effort to water down union apprenticeships.

Steelworkers are on strike in Minnesota, 25k are organizing at Delta, and we look at what a bad place Alabama is to live in.

The Huffpost wrote a 5,000 word story about how the word scab is becoming mainstream, Kapernick is getting a tryout, and Mets win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards.

Trump Gets Booed, A Sign of Things to Come?

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:58:20 +0000

AFGE's President is taking a leave of absence after accusations of sexual harassment. Should we cover stories like this? Some say yes, some no, we discuss.

Trump is getting booed everywhere he goes and unemployment is up in important swing states. Chance the Rapper is now the Chicago Teachers favorite after his appearance on SNL.

The UAW's President is forced out after leaders listened to last week's show. Elizabeth Warren's education plan is a game changer and the Mets hire Carlos Beltran.

UAW Fighting Corruption and GM at the Same Time

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 22:05:33 +0000

UAW is still on strike at GM and sadly a member lost his life on the picket line. We have a UAW President on to talk about the strike and corruption within the leadership. Chicago teachers are still on strike and the Mayor's actions are making us wonder, can union's count on the Democrats?

Bernie Sanders and AOC had 26K at a rally in NYC, a lawsuit is filed against the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, and Facebook is being investigated.

Who's Responsible for Hard Rock Collapse and Chicago Teachers on Strike

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:53:50 +0000

On this week's show, we get into how ABC contractors are murdering construction workers in New Orleans. We have audio from the incident that is shocking the nation.

The UAW has an agreement with GM, but employees at Mack Trucks are now on strike.

Social Security checks are getting bigger, thanks to the Democrats from 1975. Plus teachers are on strike in Chicago, here is why.

Listen to LaGrange on Gerod's show here.

Listen to LaGrange with Will C, On the Board Sports here.

Trump's Plan to Destroy Federal Unions

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 22:02:46 +0000

On this week's show, we have a leaked memo on Trump's plan to destroy federal unions as he orders agencies to follow his anti-union executive order.

In 2016 West Virginia repealed their prevailing wage law and the results are in for how bad that turned out.

We explain Elizabeth Warren and Julian Castro's plan to strengthen collective bargaining and AT&T is under attack from a vulture capitalist.

Callaway Fired, GM Strike Continues and Tesla Busts Union

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 21:37:51 +0000

The GM Strike is in its third week, the UAW starts to pay out strike benefits while plants in Mexico begin to close.

Tesla gets caught union-busting and so does a Mentos plant in Bangladesh. They even had kids as young of 12 working there.

Unions are calling on Congress to pass the PRO Act and Senator Sherrod Brown wants to create a system to protect workers who lose their jobs due to automation.

Plus we have Will C in from On the Board Sports to talk about Mickey Callaway getting fired, the baseball playoffs, and who is going to win this Sunday.

Understanding Impeachment Process

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 22:03:30 +0000

Trump is trying to cut funding for school lunches, leaving half a million kids hungry at school. Nerds who work for a Google contractors have organized with the Steelworkers union, we take a look at what their issues are. Chicago teachers are preparing to strike after the City refused to give them a fair contract that helps their lowest-paid employees. Trump is trying to take away collective bargaining rights for Graduate students, we look at why these students need the right to join a union. Police have been some of Trump's strongest supporters, even as other public employees have been attacked by him. LaGrange tries to explain why this is going on. Plus the House has opened an impeachment inquiry into Trump, we explain what impeachment means and what the process is for getting rid of him. The Met's may be out of the playoffs, but 12 teams are continuing on, UCOMM makes our picks on who will make it the World Series.

Why this UAW/GM Strike is Different from all Others

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 22:26:45 +0000

Plus LaGrange calls JR Baker a UAW Leader in Western New York, experienced striker Don Dunn of the CWA calls in, and thank you to Local 3 member Robert Morano who was our UCOMM Live $200 winner. Robert decided to donate his winnings to the Local 3 Spectrum Strike fund.

SharpieGate, The Weatherman, and our New App Drug Hub

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:46:36 +0000

Plus we have an interview with the AFL-CIO's Liz Schuler. She talks to us at the NYC Labor Day Parade.

We remember 9/11 with Local 3 IBEW's Business Manager Chris Erikson.

Lenny is back to talk about the opioid crisis and some of the great work he did this past week volunteering in Philly.

We look at how the NLRB has lost its way under Trump, his obsession with a weather map, and the 10,000 jobs that were lost because of his trade war.

Trump Attacks Unions & His Supporters Vandalize UCOMM

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 22:03:00 +0000

Are union leaders getting younger? Panelist Cordelia Anthony was profiled by a local newspaper about this, so we take a look. Labor Day just passed and Trump sent out his annual Labor Day tweet attacking the AFL-CIO, unions, and Trumka, who wasn't the only one attacked over the weekend. That's right, UCOMM was vandalized and we have opened an investigation into who we think did it. Plus Antonio Brown got himself suspended, the Packers are playing the Bears, and we ask are the Mets for real?

Marching on Mississippi and is NRA Code for Small ...?

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 20:51:32 +0000

On this week's show, we have audio from LaGrange on America's Workforce Radio in Ohio and we are joined by Chris Garlock, the host of Union City radio in Washington DC.

NLRB charges have been filed against Barstool Sports, what does that mean for the company?

The Freedom Foundation hires a terrorist to run their Oregon chapter, Antonio Brown is back on the field and wearing his helmet, the Mets are still in the Wild Card chase, and could Carli Lloyd become the first female to play in the NFL?

Starting a Fight with Barstool Sports

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 21:26:29 +0000

On this week's show we call out Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports for threatening his staff if they attempt to organize, Dave is scared of us.

Our intern Sarker explains why there aren't more Muslim's in the workforce, he has some interesting ideas.

Antonio Brown was the big signing by the Raiders, but he isn't playing because he refuses to wear his PPE's.

Chris Cuomo is in hot water after he was verbally attacked by a MAGA head. We have the audio of Cuomo standing up for himself.

What Can be Done About these ICE Raids?

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 20:20:17 +0000

The Governor of Massachusetts vetoes a popular bill that would protect employees right to have a voice at work, ICE conducts their biggest workplace raid ever, Democratic candidate Jay Inslee talks green, union jobs, Rich Trumka warns the Democratic Party not to take its base for granted, what to do when a boss bargains in the press and the Mets are only one game out of the wildcard. All this and more on this week's UCOMM Live.

Problems for Miners, Gamers and Sanders (Getting Punched)

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:59:39 +0000

Also, we chat up Mayor Pete going after bad employers, the New York Mets great trade deals, good jobs coming from the US Senate Energy Bill, and the show gets a lady's touch.

Racists on the Radio, in the White House and at the Border

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 20:58:44 +0000

We are back after a short summer vacation in which our producer James got married and LaGrange headed to Jamacia.

On the show, we discuss the racists over at WOR 710, find out what they had to say about AOC and about the kids who are being kept in cages at the border.

In our Trump talk, his NLRB wants to allow employers to file for decertification elections and they want to deflate the rats you see at union protests. We dive into what going on and who's behind it.

Plus a Trump mouthpiece's husband thinks Trump's a racist, unions are defending immigrants from ICE, we look at the new Labor Secretary after Alexander Acosta had to resign in shame over a sweetheart deal with a child predator, and we celebrate some new unions members.

We apologize there is an audio echo until 18:43. Feel free to skip ahead.

Angry Umps, Trumka's Town Hall, and Toxic Coal Fire Pizza

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 21:01:14 +0000

Plus George was polled, he calls in.

Brooklyn's Tony Barone talks up CWA's Call Center Bill, the one in New York passed last night.

Farmworkers in New York are now allowed to organize and only have to work 60 hours a week before they can get overtime. Plus Uber and Lyft drivers want the state to reclassify them so they can join a union.

Did you see Manny Machado getting tossed from the game against the Rockies? The umps sure did and they aren't happy about the one game suspension Machado got.

The AFL-CIO's Richard Trumka hosts a town hall in Pittsburgh, we have audio from it and LaGrange talks about how effective these events are.

Why Young People Hate Old People and the #USWNT

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 20:26:39 +0000

Plus can cafeteria workers cancel your flight, we remember Harvey Milk and what he did for the Coors Boycott during Pride Month, the origins of the Facebook and Google anti-trust case, stupid $hit Trump is doing and who shot Big Papi.

Is the "Trump's Not My President" argument divisive?

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 20:06:42 +0000

As Kris and Donny were arguing the same point on immigration we also talked about protestors getting locked up in New York's state capitol over housing costs, West Virginia tries to take away educators right to strike-will the Governor sign the bill? We also look at how Trump's tariffs will hurt the poor, TWU's President promises that there will blood in a strike against American Airlines, and the US Senate wants answers on Volkswagen's illegal employer retaliation tactics.

Make sure to hit the Subscribe button if you like what you hear.

Top 3 things to talk about this Memorial Day weekend and how to be UCOMM’s Chauffer

Thu, 23 May 2019 20:25:36 +0000

Kamala Harris’ Gender Pay equity plan. Should 18-year old’s get to drive tractor trailers? Do we stop trading with the Philippine’s? Constructions standards hit rock bottom in West Virginia. Beto O’Rourke talks union on CNN. What it takes to be Kris LaGrange’s chauffeur and the top 3 things to talk about this Memorial Day weekend. Plus in Sports, should the Met’s fire Mickey Callaway and in Entertainment, the impact of TV shows All in the Family and the Jefferson’s on American race relations.

Delta Sucks & Problems at Facebook and the AFL-CIO

Thu, 16 May 2019 20:22:11 +0000

Plus wage and benefit victories from state to state and how to get an Alabama abortion.

Guns in Schools with AFT's Randi Weingarten

Thu, 09 May 2019 20:07:02 +0000

Congressman Tim Ryan goes bananas on the House floor over mass job loss in Ohio, but wait is the new GM deal another Trump long con like Foxconn? We discuss a dumb and "dangerous" law that would arm teachers. Should they be armed? AFT's Randi Weingarten calls in to discuss. Find out how unions are changing their approach to Presidential endorsements and staff at the Social Security Administration is shitting themselves as Trump goes after their workplace rights. We get labor lawyer Matthew Hromadka on to explain the regressive changes at the NLRB.

Jobs that Pay, Jobs that Kill, NAFTA and Strip Clubs

Thu, 02 May 2019 20:24:18 +0000

Harris hops on the banning Right to Work train- welcome aboard Kamala!

Trump went crazy over our nation's firefighters backing Uncle Joe for President

We got the list of the worst places to work and our country's most dangerous jobs.

Plus why keep NAFTA? What Green jobs pay the most? and how horny is Tefere Gebre?

Butts, Boobs, Bernie, and Becky

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:39:59 +0000

Becky Friedrichs is on tour trying to sell her shitty book about union busting, but no one is showing up. We found out this week that Bernie has joined the 1%, but does anyone really care?

Plus we have some audio from the Stop and Shop strike in New England, we ask is there a double standard for teachers, especially female ones, and Beto talks pot and clean energy.

Hot Nurses, Babbling Bernie Sanders and Windmill Cancer

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 20:18:15 +0000

Feeling the Bern yet? Sanders proposes a swift change to national labor law while skipping out on the Building Trades Legislative pow wow in DC.

Prevailing wage legislation failed to pass in New York we find out why.

Hot nurses get a good union deal in the big apple, the 6 warning signs that you may have windmill cancer, and a list of progressive podcasts and shows according to the AFL-CIO

Raising the wage at Google & in New Hampshire, and kicking the Schiff out of Trump

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 20:37:53 +0000

On this week's show we look at the pro's and con's of comment sections on news sites, Google's $15 minimum wage -is it a union avoidance scheme? Trump is scared Schiff-less, find out why Beto O'Rourke kicks off his Presidential campaign, the Mets are playing this afternoon after finishing a game in Miami last night-are these guys overworked? Plus we promote the AFL-CIO's podcast and the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive.

Mueller Gave Us a gift, Texas AFL fights 1099's & Janus Hurts AFSCME

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 20:13:19 +0000

Calm down with Mueller Report, forget Barr because justice has not been served just yet.

We get the Texas AFL-CIO on the phone to talk about how Silicon Valley is trying to push around the Lone Star State, Ed Sills will be calling in, he will also explain what SB 15 is.

Trump's Janus took over 6% of public employee unions and does anyone believe that Mickey D's will raise their wages? I sure don't.

Plus it's Opening Day! Let's Go Met's and the Sweet 16 is here and LaGrange's bracket is already busted.

Donna Brazile on Fox News, Beto Backs Teachers, and Trout Gets Paid

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 20:14:36 +0000

Plus we go over a bill in Kansas designed to defund organized labor and we take a look at who LaGrange thinks is going to win the NCAA Tournament

Beto Runs, Trump's Budget Sucks, and Explaining Right to Work

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 21:20:12 +0000

Plus we ask why Trump is asking railroad and airline employees to decertify their unions, we pick favorites for the NCAA Tournament, we look at the benefits of the job-creating New York Film Tax Credit, and exclusive backroom details on the Building Trades relationship with Related, our nation's largest real estate developer.

Pervy College Prof Sues Union & #CountMeIn is Pissed

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:01:48 +0000

Plus we discuss what union(s) are qualified to organize the workforce at Amazon and ICE is up to their dirty tricks again, this time trying to deport a building porter anda few unions are trying to help out. We also remember Ted Lindsay, who battled with management and helped form the NHLPA and find out why Southwest Airlines sucks and is putting passengers at risk. Make sure to hit the Subscribe button to stay up to date on future episodes.

Ironworkers Cross the Line and the National Red Flag Gun Bill

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 20:02:44 +0000

Dan McCool calls in to talk about his group Blue Revolution, please join his Facebook group and give them money by clicking here.

Jimmy bothers us through the entire show, Donny explains card check and the difficulty of call center work. We also talked a little sports as Spring Training has kicked off and Bob calls in to defend crazy little kids. All of this and more on the World Famous UCOMM Live.

Senate: National Right to Work Law, Beto on Oprah and Florida Trump Stories

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 21:38:20 +0000

Senator Rand Paul with the help of Donald Trump introduces a National Right to Work law- orange face has said he will sign it- thank the heaven for a blue house.

Number of union households in the United States stays steady- we explain why it may look like its declined

I got some Trump stories from my family vacation in Florida

Beto was on Oprah and should the Academy Awards just cease to exist?

Amazon Pulls Out...On Valentine's Day

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 21:31:26 +0000

On this week's show, we talked about

Beto O'Rourke out mobilizing Trump in El Paso Texas, we talk to Nate Lerner from Draft Beto about it.

How calls are making a difference on the For the People Act

Denver Teachers reach a deal, we talk to Flash Fernec about it

and on St. Valentine's Day Amazon pulls out... of building its HQ in NYC and guess who is afraid of BBC's- Drunken Trump Guys.

Ross Schultz for President and Owing Taxes Because of Trump

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 22:08:31 +0000

GM gets it balls kicked in by UNIFOR on Canadian TV during the Super Bowl.

Schultz says unions aren't the answer as he tries to run for President.

Trump's long con tax return backfires on his base.

Amazon not playing nice in NYC and good news construction deaths are down.

Superbowl and 2020 Predictions

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 21:04:04 +0000

Denver is high on drugs-deporting striking teachers and Understanding New York's red flag bill.

We get audience interaction on both.

Plus Trump busts another federal union, remember you voted for him, our predictions for Sunday's Super Bowl, and we talk about the 2020 Democratic hopefuls.

Trump's MAGA Kids, Guns and Scabby the Rat

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 21:51:55 +0000

This week's topics include:

The Covington Catholic MAGA Kids and their shitty racist parents.

Trump's labor board is trying to make the inflatable rat illegal.

Gun sales are down, and we will get the reason why.

Mitch now owns this shutdown. Call his office and tell him to re-open the government. Senate Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Should the TSA go on Strike?

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:04:10 +0000

Teachers make a stand in Los Angeles and we ask should TSA agents walk out.

Dems want to raise the federal minimum wage to $15, should Congress not get paid during the shutdown? Plus audio from Snoop Dog calling Trump a motherf$%ker and my lobbyist friend calls in to talk me out of blowing up Gillibrand's spot.

If you like the podcast make sure to hit the SUBSCRIBE button and leave us a comment.